NFL Week 3 Betting Lines: New England, Seattle, Dallas Among Biggest Movers
Injuries Creating Difficult Choices for Bettors in Week 3
The San Francisco 49ers kicked Week 3 by hammering the New York Giants 30-12 on Thursday Night Football. That the 49ers dominated wasn’t a surprise. They were one of three double-digit favorites on the slate.
As the public continues to hammer NFL Week 3 betting lines, there’s still time for spreads to move ahead of Sunday. With that in mind, we break down some of the biggest movers.
New England Patriots at New York Jets 
Date & Time:
Opening Line: New England +0.5
Current Line: New England -2.5
As opening as a slight underdog, New England is now favored on the road. The Patriots have beaten their AFC East rival 14 straight times dating to 2015. Another victory would tie the NFL’s longest active winning streak against a single opponent. The Kansas City Chiefs have beaten the Denver Broncos 15 consecutive times.
The shift in these odds is likely a reflection of the Jets’ dismal performance in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. Zach Wilson was sacked three times and also threw three interceptions in a 30-10 loss, dropping the former first-rounder to 8-15 as a starter with New York. Notably, in these teams’ last matchup — Week 11 of last season — Wilson passed for only 77 yards in a 10-3 loss, per NFL player stats.
Despite that, there’s still some hesitancy around New England. The Patriots are 0-2 in the NFL standings for the first time since 2001 — Bill Belichick’s second season as head coach — as Mac Jones‘ erratic quarterback play continues.
Los Angeles Chargers at Minnesota Vikings 
Date & Time:
Opening Line: Minnesota +2.5
Current Line: Minnesota -1
Like New England, Minnesota has gone from an underdog to a close favorite. The Vikings are off to an inauspicious start, with a pair of one-score losses to Tampa Bay and Philadelphia. Notably, they thrived in those situations last year. Eleven of the Vikings’ 13 wins came by one score, snapping the previous record of 10 held by multiple teams. Because of that, many bettors expected the Vikings to regress. And so far, they may be right.
That said, the public still likes their chances against Los Angeles. The Chargers are uber talented. Yet they continue to find ways to lose. In fact, they’re the first team in NFL history to start 0-2 despite scoring 50 points while committing zero turnovers. They’re expected to remain without star running back Austin Ekeler because of an ankle injury. With an 0-2 mark ATS, they haven’t given bettors much reason to trust them.
Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks 
Date & Time:
Opening Line: Seattle -3.5
Current Line: Seattle -6
This NFL Week 3 betting line continues to move in favor of the Seahawks, as sportsbooks are reacting to Bryce Young’s health. The No. 1 overall pick is expected to miss 1-2 weeks with an ankle injury, forcing Carolina to rely on veteran backup Andy Dalton.
Now, Dalton is one of the most accomplished No. 2 quarterbacks in the NFL. He played competently for New Orleans last season, throwing for 2,871 yards and 18 touchdowns in14 games. Still, he has decidedly less upside than a dual threat like Young.
Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals 
Date & Time:
Opening Line: Dallas -9.5
Current Line: Dallas -13
Despite a 2-0 start, the mood is rather subdued in Dallas these days. Trevon Diggs, the Cowboys’ Pro Bowl cornerback, is out for the season after tearing his ACL in practice Thursday. Despite his absence, the Cowboys shouldn’t have any issues against lowly Arizona. (0-2) They’re the largest NFL betting line favorite in Week 3, matching Kansas City over Chicago.
The Cardinals, who blew a 21-point third-quarter lead against the Giants last week, already have their eyes on the 2024 NFL Draft. They’ve lost six straight games at home. Although they’ve fared well ATS (4-1 in their last five games), bettors clearly aren’t buying Joshua Dobbs’ ability to keep this competitive.
Los Angeles Rams at Cincinnati Bengals 
Date & Time:
Opening Line: Cincinnati -7.5
Current Line: Cincinnati -3
Will Joe Burrow play? The Pro Bowl quarterback’s availability is uncertain after he tweaked his calf in a Week 2 loss to Baltimore. If he’s unable to go, the next two options on Cincinnati‘s roster are Jake Browning and Will Grier. Both are significant downgrades.
Clearly, sportsbooks are hedging against Burrow missing time.
For NFL Week 3 betting lines, news, analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
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- NFL Week 3: Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks Betting Preview
- Cowboys vs Cardinals Odds Preview: A Shocker in the Desert?!
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